CompletelyNew
TotallyFamiliar

A structured approach

act3 assists executives to apply the same accepted strategic planning logic, disciplines and rigour used in business to develop a personal strategic plan for themselves. Our proprietary methodology leverages a combination of business planning frameworks, strategic facilitation, leadership expertise, insights and experience.

Our process includes a combination of self-discovery, vision, research, reflection, engaging with others, testing ideas and tactical execution. The approach we take is structured, however the focus of individual sessions and outcomes are always unique. There is no one act3 solution; every business and every executive is different.

We listen, we challenge, we ask the right questions

act3’s approach centres on a trusted, support relationship that delivers value. Our independent facilitators are experienced strategists and business leaders, but first and foremost are accomplished in the “art of questioning”. They support the executive via a discovery process, that leads to the creative generation and exploration of ideas. Targeted questions are posed, established thinking is challenged and new intersections, constantly tested.

Tailored programs – individual and small group

In a supportive and highly collaborative atmosphere, we typically engage with executive and emerging talent through one-on-one and/or small group sessions.

When and where appropriate, act3 may engage the executive’s spouse, as well as independent experts, to support key ‘reality checks’ that help focus planning priorities and options.

People & Partnerships

act3's great strength is its people and partnerships: people who are exemplars of act3, have a passion for helping others and have empathy. People with credibility and extensive business experience, who are able to look at strategic talent and career choices in new ways, in order to find fresh compelling insights, new intersects and opportunities. People who value our methodologies and approaches and yet aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions. People other people like to be with.

At the core are our principals who are widely regarded as thought leaders in their field. Each brings different expertise and experience, which makes for a strong and diverse team to develop our business and assist our clients. Our principals have an outstanding record of working with global executives and organizations over many years.

Our advisory panel includes prominent business leaders who enhance act3 and help us remain at the forefront of thinking on act3 planning.

We have established a team of exemplary accredited Facilitators. All are experienced business professionals in their own right and bring extensive skills and knowledge in strategic planning and managing change at a personal and organizational level. They bring their own talents, insights and understanding to the relationships we develop with every individual and for every company.

act3's service partners are leaders in their fields - providing expert support in areas such as health management, financial advice and organizational and counseling psychology.

We also bring access to an extended network of affiliates who provide complimentary services to help our clients explore their act3 - in fields such as executive recruitment, training and placement of non-executive directors, connection to not-for-profit organizations, etc.

Our Principals - Asia Pacific

Janie Gough, Co-founder and Director

A proven advisor and strategic thinker, Janie encourages the world’s leading organisations and their executive teams to think creatively about business strategy and leadership performance. She has been instrumental in designing and establishing act3’s offerings in the leadership and talent management market.

“When executives are able to clearly articulate their future plans, we often see them more fully engaged with the ‘here and now’. Their future, which may have been seen as a time of challenge, is now seen as a time of opportunity. Not only does the organisation reap the benefits, but partners and spouses, family and friends, as well as wider communities, are positively impacted.”

Craig Perrett, Co-founder and Director

Craig is one of Australia’s leading corporate advisors, working alongside CEOs and executives from a select group of blue-chip organisations. An expert in executive development and business growth strategies, he is passionate about building a sustainable and competitive advantage through the creation of engaged, invigorated and flexible workforces.

“Senior executives are often reluctant to discuss act3 planning at a personal level because they feel that in doing so, they may inadvertently send a signal that they have disengaged or are wanting to leave. Innovative organisations that are keen to retain senior talent must create an environment where career and life aspirations are discussed openly and without prejudice. When they do, everyone wins.”

Our Associates

We have established a team of accredited facilitators, all experienced business leaders and change managers in their own right.

Pamela Gilbert

Pamela’s background in finance and professional services helps organisations grow their business by growing their people. A specialist in developing high-performing teams, she has extensive experience working with boards on strategy and business development teams on building client engagement.

“While many organisations wrestle with succession planning, most don’t address it in a way that allows them to understand the individual aspirations and plans of their most important talent. Proactive act3 planning promotes honest conversations, and the alignment of an individual and an organisation’s interests.”

Don Matthews

Don Matthews is an experienced executive with previous C-suite roles at Amcor Australasia and SCA Hygiene Australasia. As a former Chairman of the Business Council of Australia, he is passionate about assisting organisations and integrating act3 processes into their systems.

“In an increasingly competitive marketplace, retaining talent in an ageing workforce is one of the critical issues facing organisations today. The act3 Personal Strategic Planning process provides individuals and organisations with the insights that increase engagement, maximise retention and lead to better outcomes.”

Peter Jones

As a psychologist, Peter brings over 20 years of professional experience to his work with act3. In the area of leadership development, he provides insights that gain resonance over time, supporting transformation at a systems level.

“act3 planning provides the perfect ‘win/win’ scenario. It enables executives to develop lifestyle and career options that satisfy their professional and personal goals while accommodating the real business needs of their organisations.”

Graeme Billings

Graeme Billings is an act3 portfolio exemplar, who brings to the act3 team extensive Board, corporate governance, leadership, senior management, transaction and consulting services experience, across a variety of industries. As part of his work portfolio he currently holds several public and private company board positions across the healthcare, biotech, financial services, consumer, industrial products and infrastructure sectors. Prior to this he was a long serving Partner and Global practice area leader in an elite Professional Services firm.

“Nobody can tell executives how to plan their ‘next act’. Every person is different. Every portfolio different. Personal Strategic Planning is as much about life as it is career. We listen, ask challenging questions, help create options and guide exploration. Importantly, we deeply understand the challenges at a personal and professional level.”

Jenni Smith

Jenni is an accomplished global senior executive with extensive M&A and divestment experience in highly regulated financial services, telecommunications, and broadcasting sectors. Most recently Jenni was Group Executive Officer People & Communications for a global Insurance Group, during which time she worked with the Chair on CEO succession, executive team, and Board renewal. Jenni brings to the act3 team, significant expertise in working with global organisations and challenging cultures, driving talent solutions, and supporting senior leaders through major, complex transformations.

“By supporting executive talent through critical personal and professional transitions, encouraging them to play to their strengths and interests and enabling new pathways and engagement models, leaders create significant new value for the executive and the organisation”.

Grant Powell

Grant is passionate about strategy and innovation. He specializes in helping both organisations and individuals to achieve ‘breakthroughs’ around their most strategic issues and opportunities and to get leadership aligned and committed to action. Grant brings more than than 30 years as a management consultant in a variety of industries across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Asia, including most recently as the head of the firms Innovation Centre, based in Asia.

“act3’s Personal Strategic Planning intervention establishes the platform for aligning individual and organisation values, interests and aspirations, builds deep trust and intimacy, and is an enabler for more honest, more robust and enabling work relationships. It's about possibilities, new pathways and mutual benefit”.

Craig Wallace

Craig has worked as a senior executive for blue chip international organisations in the airline and transport sector. More recently, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer of a leading international law firm. Throughout his career he has gained significant board member, business consulting and mentoring experience.

“Experience shows that proactive act3 Personal Strategic Planning leads to an energised, positive and focused senior executive workforce, who have a greater sense of purpose and clarity about their future with the organisation, and in their personal life. This leads to optimized engagement and performance and more positive outcomes for both the organisation and importantly, the individuals.”

Our Principals – North America

Jim Harrison

Jim Harrison is a leading business strategist and executive coach. Centred in North America, he knows from experience that organisations need to manage both the risks and the opportunities that will arise from the coming baby boom exodus.

“The most successful senior executives I know would never consider running their organisations without a written strategic plan, and yet most of them do not have a plan for the third act of their life. act3 planning drives the informed conversation that hugely benefits both the individual and the organisation.”

Our Principals – Europe

Lisa Keogh

A talent and change leader based in Zurich, Lisa Keogh currently heads act3’s European office. Lisa has held several senior roles in multinational organisations throughout the Asia Pacific and is passionate about supporting executives and their families at critical career junctures.

“I’ve seen many high-performing executives re-energise themselves through the act3 Personal Strategic Planning process, becoming even more valuable to their employers.”

James Quinney

James brings over 25 years of professional services experience to the act3 team, having been a partner with a major international law firm, based in the City of London. As a former head of one of the firm’s global departments and having served on the firm’s Executive board, James has significant experience of developing strategy and of managing senior talent.

“The act3 process can transform what to many may seem an uncertain and fearful next stage into an exciting and re-energising prospect. The blinkers come off and the rigour with which strategy is developed for the company is similarly applied for personal development resulting in a new and compelling path for years to come”

act3 Partnerships

act3 offers a wide range of talent, leadership, organisational change and career management solutions. We proudly work alongside a select group of leading global leadership and talent specialists.